Meetup Groups

Current MassBible Meetup Groups

This group is a facilitated discussion about the Bible with those of any, all, or no faith who simply want to read through the Bible, cover to cover, across the 2010-2011 academic year. Click on the link to find out more and join through Meetup.com or e-mail us for more information. Newcomers are welcome at any point across the year. E-mail us or check the meetup site for a reading schedule.

This group will explore, specifically, how the Bible is received and responded to by writers and scholars from different backgrounds, and, in the end, how it is received, and responded to, by group members themselves.

We'll meet weekly on the Harvard campus to discuss topical readings and to, over the course of the year, engage each other by offering writings of our own. As such: those with at least a little biblical familiarity, as well as a little experience writing creatively (or, at least, a willingness to begin now and openly share), are encouraged to join.

Our focus will be on Hebrew Bible/Old Testament stories and themes, and will cover biblical composition, the stories of women in the Bible, interpretation of exile and living with the Bible in mind. The goal is to understand biblical reception and interpretation; this will hopefully be realized via conversations around what we've read and composed.

What is a Meetup group? A group of people who gather both online and in person to further a common interest. Meetup.com provides a user-friendly way to find people in your area who share your interests and live close enough to get together in person.

Is Meetup.com a religious site?Meetup.com is a general site for all interests, both secular and religious. MassBible uses Meetup.com to organize groups that address issues of biblical literacy, understanding, and dialogue.

Is there a cost? Joining Meetup.com is free. Whether there is any cost for a particular group is determined by the group's leadership. MassBible Meetups are free, although we do incur costs and appreciate any donations.

Who can join a group? MassBible Meetup groups are designed to provide a safe, non-judgmental place to explore the Bible and related themes for all who wish to come. Advertisements go out on Meetup.com to the general public as well as to targeted audiences in a given area. You do not need to be a member of MassBible, although you will receive the option of a free, one-year membership in MassBible for participating in a group. Sometimes groups will have specific size limitations or demographic targets--like a group for moms or for clergy--but if you do not find such a limitation in the description, the group is open to anyone of any faith or no faith.

Can a group have members that do not use Meetup.com? Yes, although those who do not use the site will miss out on the online forums, an easy way to rsvp for meetups, and the chance to leave feedback for others to see. It is much easier for the Group Facilitator if people use the site, as it provides an easy way to communicate with the whole group at once, but it is not required.

Who facilitates the Meetup groups? Some groups are led by MassBible staff, Trustees, or Seminary Interns, but anyone with an idea for a group can apply to be a Group Facilitator. We have periodic leader training workshops and an application process for potential facilitators. E-mail us to find out more. Group Facilitators are not paid for their work in the group unless it is part of other paid work you do for MassBible.